US deploys biggest military buildup in Middle East since 2003 Iraq invasion

US has deployed its most substantial military force in the Middle East since the 2003 invasion of Iraq, amid rising speculations of strikes against Iran. The buildup includes 13 US warships, including aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and nine destroyers. US has sent F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning stealth fighter jets, F-15 and F-16 warplanes, and KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft.